The Influence of Stiffener Geometry and Spacing on the Buckling of Axially Compressed Cylindrical and Concial Shells

摘要

An experimental and theoretical study of the buckling of closely stiffened cylindrical and conical shells under axial compression was undertaken to determine the influence of the stiffener geometry and spacing on the applicability of linear theory. Tests on integrally ring-stiffened cylinders, in which the spacing, cross-sectional area and eccentricity of the stiffeners is varied are described. The bounds of general instability are first determined by an elementary analysis of sub-shells and panels between stiffeners, in conjunction with 'smeared' stiffener theory. The interaction between stiffeners and shell is then investigated with a linear discrete-stiffener theory. The experimental results are correlated with theory and approximate design criteria are developed. Experimental results and conclusions of other investigators are also discussed. The results of a test program of integrally ring-stiffened conical shells are briefly discussed and correlated with the results obtained for cylindrical shells. The structural efficiency of closely stiffened cylindrical shells is then studied in view of the observed bounds of applicability of linear theory. (Author)